Since computer programming can be done from anywhere in the world, companies often hire programmers in countries where wages are lower. This ongoing trend is projected to limit growth for computer programmers in the United States, and employment is projected to decline by eight percent from 2014 to 2024 according to the BLS. However, there are high costs associated with managing projects given to overseas programmers, and these costs can offset the savings from the lower wages, causing some companies to bring back or keep programming jobs in the United States.

A computer programmer's work varies greatly, and so do typical starting salaries. PayScale.com reported that entry-level computer programmers earned a median wage of $51,174 in September 2015.

The highest computer programmer salaries are in the metropolitan areas of Seattle, Vallejo, California, Oxnard, California, Albuquerque, New Mexico and the District of Columbia. Computer Programmers tend to make the most in the following industries: